- 174 new residential lots of State Government land unlocked to boost housing supply including for key workers in the Pilbara
- Perdaman to build 100 homes for local workers within five years, driving investment in a key economic project for the region
- Further 89 lots for general release to the market, further adding to housing supply
The Cook Government continues to bolster housing supply in regional Western Australia, with new development-ready land to be unlocked as part of a project that will see at least 100 new homes in the Pilbara built within the next five years.
Eighty-five lots will be sold to Perdaman and used to build homes for its workers in Karratha. The $122 million project will build the local workforce and support the local economy. The lots at Madigan will be purchased by Perdaman at a bulk purchase rate in recognition of the positive economic and social impact of the project on Karratha, with construction expected to begin later this year.
The remaining 15 lots will be sold to Perdaman by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation.
The significant housing boost will support the growth of Perdaman's $7 billion Karratha Urea Project, a major economic project for the region. Only local workers on the project will be housed in the new properties, which cannot be used as fly-in-fly-out accommodation or leased on the private market.
Under the plan, Perdaman will complete the houses within five years, using local building contractors, with ownership of the land to revert to DevelopmentWA if residential construction timelines are not met.
The Cook Government will also work with Perdaman to potentially include additional State housing to be built over the same period. These properties would be used by other key workers, or as social housing.
DevelopmentWA will also prepare 89 residential lots for the general market further supporting local land supply.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"We know that the cost of building homes in our State's north has increased sharply, and unfortunately, the price of delivering housing for their workers is restrictive for many businesses.
"By supporting this project, my Government is helping to get these crucial developments off the ground, support local businesses and local jobs, and build a better region to benefit the entire State.
"This sensible and pragmatic approach will deliver at least 100 houses for Karratha locals within the next five years, contributing to a vibrant regional community and creating quality jobs for the future."
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"The Pilbara's economic success is central to the success of the entire WA economy.
"By stepping in to support housing developments, we can help to drive investment into this key economic hub.
"The Cook Government is proud to be working with Perdaman to deliver these homes and support growth."
As stated by Housing Minister John Carey:
"Our Government is acutely aware of the housing market across the country - and we are continuing to deliver major investments through our record $3.2 billion investment in housing and homelessness measures.
"The Cook Labor Government is providing a vital boost to housing and land supply in the Pilbara with 174 new residents lots in the Madigan Estate.
"Perdaman, with 85 lots from the State Government, will deliver at least 100 homes for key workers to benefit local communities and the Pilbara economy."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"I am proud to be part of the Cook Labor Government, which is delivering key housing projects for the Pilbara.
"This development will be a welcome addition to our growing community."
As stated by Perdaman Chairman Vikas Rambal:
"By building these houses we are providing a more harmonious workplace to our operational workforce while also benefitting the Karratha community by bringing such a highly skilled workforce to the region.
"This housing project is just one example of how we are investing in Karratha's growth and potential, turning it into one of WA's most liveable cities.
"Increasing housing will reduce pressure on both the project workforce and local rental housing market."
